Rf regeneration of hydro-absorptive material

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a dehumidifier comprising a regenerable sorption matrix disposed within a drum or wheel in which microwave radiation directed by a waveguide antenna is used to regenerate the sorption matrix within a desorption segment using a programmable controller to coordinate the advancement of the rotation of the sorbent through desorption segment. A method of dehumidifying a process fluid is also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

This invention relates to the regeneration of sorbent, such as ahydroabsorptive materials, such as, for example, in a dehumidifier.

As shown in FIG. 1, conventional dehumidifiers 1 operate by rotating ahydrophilic matrix 2 between a process side 3 and a regeneration side 4.The humid air or other gas to be dehumidified 5 is passed through theprocess side 3 across the hydrophilic matrix 2 which absorbs moisturefrom the process fluid, in this case air, to produce dehumidified air 8which has been warmed by hydrophilic matrix 2. The hydrophilic matrix 2is then passed into the regeneration side 4 where it is heated bycontact with a stream of hot air 6, causing secondary ejection of waterfrom the matrix 2 into the regeneration air 7. Such processes areinefficient in that a relatively large volume of the regeneration air 6must be heated, considerable energy is lost in the heater, through thewalls of the regeneration ducting, and also into the process fluid 8which is at a higher temperature than the humid air entering the processside 5. It is generally desired to keep the dehumidified air 8 cool formaximum moisture desorption and process use, e.g., cooling airrecirculation in a room or building HVAC system. Moreover, theregeneration side of the apparatus is usually as large as the processside, and conventional dehumidifiers are thus rather large. What isneeded is a dehumidification process that is more efficient and/or adehumidifier that has reduced size requirements.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one embodiment disclosed herein is a dehumidifiercomprising a rotatable sorption drum having variable portion incommunication with one or more microwave sources dimensioned andarranged to direct microwave radiation into the portion of the sorptiondrum for selective excitation of a sorbate from the portion of thesorption drum.

In an embodiment a dehumidifier, comprises a regenerable sorption matrixdisposed within a drum or wheel in which microwave radiation directed bya waveguide antenna is used to regenerate the sorption matrix within adesorption segment using a programmable controller to coordinate theadvancement of the rotation of the sorbent through the desorptionsegment.

In an embodiment, a method of dehumidifying a process fluid comprisescontacting the process fluid with a sorption matrix disposed within adrum or wheel and then removing the sorbed material (referred to hereinas the sorbant) by irradiating a portion of the sorption matrix withmicrowave radiation directed by a waveguide located in a desorptionsegment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a prior art dehumidifier;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment according to the instantdisclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment according to the instantdisclosure; and

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an alternative embodiment according tothe instant disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be noted that in the development of any suchactual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must bemade to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance withsystem related and business related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time consuming but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure. In addition, the compositionused/disclosed herein can also comprise some components other than thosecited. In the summary and this detailed description, each numericalvalue should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unlessalready expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modifiedunless otherwise indicated in context. As used in the specification andclaims, “near” is inclusive of “at.”

The following definitions are provided in order to aid those skilled inthe art in understanding the detailed description.

The terms “sorption” and “sorb” are used herein to include bothabsorption and adsorption of the sorbate from a fluid. Likewise, theterm desorption is the reverse process of absorption, adsorption, or acombination thereof. Accordingly, the sorption matrix functions toabsorb, adsorb, or otherwise reversibly sequester a sorbate from aprocess fluid. The term desorption refers to at least partiallyreleasing the sorbate from the sorbent such that the sorbent may onceagain function to reversibly remove sorbate from a process fluid.

For purposes herein, water is used to represent the sorbate and air isutilized to represent the process fluid, and to represent the desorptionfluid, consistent with the term dehumidification. However, it is to beunderstood that the sorbate may be any material dissolved in the processfluid which may be reversibly removed from the process fluid by thesorbent, and the process fluid is not limited to air but may be anymaterial or combination of fluids.

For purposes herein the Rf source comprises an Rf generator and all ofthe associated electronics and circuitry coupled to an antenna, which isin communication with, or which is also a waveguide. The waveguide is astructure which guides the microwaves and may comprise a hollowconductive pipe or other hollow structure. Waveguides suitable for useherein may differ in their geometry to confine microwave energy in onedimension or two dimensions. The waveguide may comprise differentportions of waveguides as needed to guide the microwave energy to theintended target or substrate. In an embodiment, the waveguide maycomprise a rectangular and/or a circular and/or an elliptical crosssection.

In an embodiment, the waveguide may comprise a stripline disposed on asubstrate useful to transmit microwave radiation. On or more of thewaveguides in communication with the Rf energy providing means may beused to measure various properties of the sorbent drum, the processfluid, the regeneration fluid, or a combination thereof. For purposesherein, the term waveguide and waveguide antenna are usedinterchangable, unless otherwise noted.

In an embodiment, the waveguide is a slotted waveguide or slottedantenna which may comprise a metal surface which may include a flatplaner portion, with one or more holes or slots, referred to asapertures, disposed through it such that when the metal surface isdriven as an antenna by a driving frequency from an Rf source, the slotradiates electromagnetic waves. The shape and size of the slot(s) orappatures, as well as the driving frequency, determine the radiationdistribution pattern and provide for greater control of the irradiationpattern of the sorbent drum.

Other types of antenna which may be suitable for use herein includeisotropic radiator antenna, omnidirectional antenna, biconical antenna,directional antenna, and the like. Examples include cage aerial antenna,choke ring antenna, coaxial antenna, crossed field antenna, dielectricresonator antenna, discone antenna, folded unipole antenna, franklinantenna, ground-plane antenna, halo antenna, helical antenna, J-poleantenna, mast radiator antenna, monopole antenna, random wire antenna,rubber ducky antenna, T2FD atenna, T-aerial antenna, umbrella antenna,whip antenna, Adcock antenna, AWX antenna, Beverage antenna, Cantennaantenna, Cassegrain antenna, collinear antenna, conformal antenna,dipole antenna, folded inverted conformal antenna, fractal antenna,Gizmotchy antenna, helical antenna, horizontal curtain antenna, hornantenna, HRS antenna, inverted vee antenna, log-periodic antenna, loopantenna, microstrip antenna, offset dish antenna, patch antenna, phasedarray antenna, parabolic antenna, plasma antenna, quad antenna,reflective array antenna, regenerative loop antenna, rhombic antenna,sector antenna, short backfire antenna, slot antenna, turnstile antenna,Vivaldi-antenna, WokFi antenna, Yagi-Uda antenna, or a combinationthereof.

Disclosed herein, an embodiment, is a dehumidifier, comprising asorption chamber having a cylindrical section housing a coaxial sorptiondrum with first and second end faces at opposite ends thereof; aregenerable sorption matrix comprising sorbent disposed in the sorptiondrum and comprising axial fluid permeability between the first andsecond end faces to selectively sorb water from a process fluid; adriver to rotationally advance the sorption drum about a longitudinalaxis with respect to a desorption segment; an axial process fluid flowpath through the sorption chamber passing through the sorption drum fromthe first end face to the second end face in fluid isolation from thedesorption segment to remove the water from the process fluid; an axialdesorption fluid flow path through the desorption segment; a desorptionsegment supply head fluidly connected against one of the first andsecond faces of the sorption drum and housing at least one Rf sourcecomprising a waveguide antenna operatively connected with an Rfgenerator, which in an embodiment may comprise at least one magnetron,to direct microwave radiation into the sorption matrix at a frequencyfor selective excitation of the sorbate water; a desorption segmentreceiver head fluidly connected against the other one of the first andsecond end faces of the sorption drum and housing a receiver comprisingan Rf detector, which may include a wide area bolometer to detectmicrowave radiation passing through the sorption matrix from theantenna; and a programmable controller comprising instructions tocoordinate the advancement of the rotation of the sorbent drum with themicrowave irradiation of the sorption matrix in response to at least themicrowave radiation detected at the receiver.

As shown in block diagram form in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, thedehumidifier 10 comprises a sorption chamber 12 having a cylindricalsection housing a coaxial sorption drum 14 with first end face 16 and asecond end face 18 at opposite ends thereof The sorption drum 14includes a regenerable sorption matrix 20 comprising sorbent 22 disposedin the sorption drum 14 and comprising axial fluid permeability betweenthe first and second end faces 16 and 18 to selectively sorb a sorbate38 from a process fluid 24. In an embodiment, a driver 26 rotationallyadvances 28 the sorption drum 14 about a longitudinal axis 30 withrespect to a desorption segment 32. In an embodiment, an axial processfluid flow path 36 through the sorption chamber 34 passing through thesorption drum 14 from the first end face 16 to the second end face 18 influid isolation from the desorption segment 32 removes the sorbate 38,which is typically water, from the process fluid 24. In an embodiment,an axial desorption fluid flow path 40 through the desorption segment 32enriches the desorption fluid 42 with the sorbate 38 to produce theregenerate fluid stream 46. In an embodiment, a desorption segmentsupply head 44 fluidly connected against one of the first and secondfaces 16 or 18 of the sorption drum 14 houses at least one waveguideantenna 48 to direct microwave radiation 56 into the sorption matrix 20at a frequency for selective excitation of the sorbate. In anembodiment, a desorption segment receiver head 50 fluidly connectedagainst the other one of the first and second end faces 16 or 18 of thesorption drum 14 houses a receiver 52 to detect microwave radiation 56passing through the sorption matrix 20 from the antenna 48. In anembodiment, a programmable controller 54 comprises instructions tocoordinate the advancement of the rotation of the sorbent drum 14, viadriver 26, with the microwave irradiation 56 of the sorption matrix 20in response to the microwave radiation 56 detected at the receiver 52.

In an embodiment, the process fluid 24 comprises air, the sorbate 38comprises water, and the microwave radiation 56 has a frequency in therange of from 800 MHz to 2.5 GHz. However, microwave radiation frequencyis not a limiting factor such that microwave radiation at any frequencysuitable to remove a sorbate from the sorbent is suitable for useherein.

In an embodiment, the antenna comprises a waveguide. In an embodiment,the antenna comprises one or more slotted waveguide antenna 48operatively connected with an Rf generator 58 comprising at least onemagnetron 60 or other source of Rf energy. In an embodiment, the Rfgenerator 58 comprises a plurality of magnetrons 60. In an embodiment,the receiver 52 comprises an Rf detector, which may include a wide areabolometer, an Rf diode detector, or diode array detector, or other typeof Rf detector 62.

In an embodiment, the waveguide antenna 48 comprises one or moremicrowave lenses 68 to focus or otherwise distribute the microwaveradiation 56 to a portion of the sorption drum 14. In an embodiment,waveguide antenna 48 is dimensioned and arranged such that the sorptionmatrix is evenly irradiated with the microwave energy based on the crosssectional area of the desorption segment and the area of the sorptionmatrix being irradiated. In an embodiment, less than 50% of the surfacearea of one of the two faces of the sorption drum is irradiated with themicrowave energy within the desorption segment at any one time, or lessthan 40% of the surface area, or less than 30% of the surface area, orless than 20% of the surface area, or less than 15% of the surface area,or less than 10% of the surface area, or less than 8% of the surfacearea, or less than 6% of the surface area, or less than 5% of thesurface area, or less than 2% of the surface area is irradiated with themicrowave energy within the desorption segment at any one time.

In an embodiment, the regeneration fluid is not intentionally heatedprior to contacting the sorption drum. In an embodiment, theregeneration fluid is not intentionally heated prior to contacting thesorption drum with the exception of utilizing at least a portion of theregeneration fluid to provide cooling for the Rf source, the magnetron,circuitry, drive motors, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the Rf generator and the associated waveguide isdimensioned and arranged to provide mixed mode irradiation. In anembodiment, the Rf generator and the associated waveguide is dimensionedand arranged to provide one or more preferential modes of irradiation.In an embodiment, the antenna is a single mode antenna. In anembodiment, the Rf generator is a single source Rf generator. In anembodiment, the Rf generator is a single source Rf generator comprisinga waveguide having a plurality of apertures. As shown in FIG. 3, in anembodiment, the Rf generator 58 may include an Rf conditioner 70 coupledto the antenna 48 disposed within the desorption segment 32.

In an embodiment, the Rf generator 58 comprising a tuner 62 to adjust apower level or intensity of the microwave radiation 56 from the antenna48. In an embodiment, the desorption segment 32 may include an energyinput sensor 64 to measure a level of microwave radiation 56 emittedfrom the antenna 48.

As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, a plurality of waveguide antenna48a and 48b in communication with one or more Rf generators 58a and 58bare arranged to produce a first Rf source dimensioned and arranged toirradiate the first face 16 of the sorption drum 14, and a second Rfsource dimensioned and arranged to irradiate the second face 18 of thesorption drum 14 within the desorption segment. In an embodiment, thefirst Rf source and the second Rf source also comprise or function as anRf detector to detect the Rf energy provide by the opposing Rf source.In an embodiment, the first Rf source is operated to irradiate the firstface of the sorption drum while the second Rf source is not irradiatingthe second face of the sorption drum, alternating with the second Rfsource being operated to irradiate the second face of the sorption drumwhile the first Rf source is not irradiating the first face of thesorption drum; both Rf sources are operated to irradiate both faces ofthe sorption drum simultaneously; or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the sorption matrix 20 comprises a plurality of axialflow passages 36 and 40 through the sorption matrix 20. In anembodiment, the plurality of axial flow passages 36 and 40 are tortuous.In an embodiment, the sorption matrix 20 comprises a sorbent disposed,fixed, or otherwise attached to one or more surfaces in the axial flowpassages.

In an embodiment, the sorption drum comprises a plurality of latteralflow passages through the sorption matrix and the flow path of theprocess fluid, the regeneration fluid, and the Rf radiation is from anouter circumference to an inner circumference of the sorption drum. Inan embodiment, the plurality of latteral flow passages are tortuous. Inan embodiment, the sorption drum comprises a sorption matrix comprisinga sorbent disposed, fixed, or otherwise attached to one or more surfacesin the lateral flow passages. In an embodiment, sorption drum 14, alsoreferred to in the art as a desiccant wheel having axial flow passages,and/or a desiccant drum having lateral flow passages, is a rotatable,air-permeable structure that can absorb and release moisture or anothersorbent from a process fluid stream. Sorption drum 14 may comprise ahoneycomb structure or porous pad or cage that contains or is coatedwith a sorbent, e.g., a desiccant, which may comprise silica gel,montmorillonite clay, zeolite, hydrophilic polymers, and/or the like.The actual structure of various sorption drums are well known to thoseskilled in the art. Examples of suitable sorption drums include thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,311,511; 6,237,354; 5,887,784; 5,816,065;5,732,562; 5,579,647; 5,551,245; 5,517,828 and 4,719,761, all of whichare specifically incorporated by reference herein. In an embodiment, thesorption drum may include one or more pins, plates, grids and/or otherstructures to direct the microwave radiation, the process fluid, or acombination thereof through the drum.

In an embodiment, the sorption matrix 20 comprises no transverse fluidpermeability, which is defined as fluid permeablility perpendicular tolongitudinal axis 30, or a transverse fluid permeability less than 10%of the axial fluid permeability which is parallel to longitudinal axis30.

In an embodiment, the level of microwave irradiation 56 provided to thesorption drum 14, and/or the location on the sorption drum 14 where themicrowave irradiation is focused, is controlled by programmablecontroller 54 to maintain the detection of radiation 56 at the receiver52 at a setpoint or within a range of setpoints.

In an embodiment, the programmable controller 54 provides instructionscomprising holding the sorption drum 14 in rotational position withrespect to the desorption segment 32 while the sorption matrix 20 isirradiated. In an embodiment, the programmable controller 54 providesinstructions further comprising one or more cycles including theirradiation of the sorption matrix 20 while holding the sorption drum 14in a position and, when the receiver 52 detects a set level of radiation56 passing through the sorption matrix 20, and/or some other detectedcondition, the programmable controller 54 provides instructions toadvance the rotation 28 of the sorption drum 14 to introduce asorbate-rich portion of the sorption drum 14 into the desorption segment32.

In an embodiment, the controller provides dynamic closed loop control,lookup table control, or a combination thereof with linear control,linear optimization, non-linear control, non-linear optimization, or acombination thereof.

In an embodiment, the programmable controller 54 provides instructionscomprising continuously advancing the rotation 28 of the sorption drum14 to introduce a sorbate-rich portion of the sorption drum 14 into thedesorption segment 32. In an embodiment, the speed of the theadvancement of the rotation 28, also referred to as the angular velocityof the sorption drum 14, is controlled to maintain the detection ofmicrowave radiation 56 at the receiver 52 at a setpoint or within aparticular range of setpoints consistent with removal of an adequateamount of sorbate under a particular set of conditions.

In an embodiment, a cross-sectional flow area through the sorption drumin the desorption segment 32 is less than 25%, or less than 20%, or lessthan 15%, or less than 10% or less than 5% of the cross-sectional flowarea available for the process fluid in the sorption chamber 34 throughthe sorption drum 14. In an embodiment, a flow direction of thedesorption fluid 42 is countercurrent to the direction of the processfluid 24 (not shown). In an embodiment, a process fluid supply for theprocess fluid 24 to the sorption chamber 34 to enter the sorption drum14 is located at the first end surface 16, and the desorption segmentsupply head 44 is positioned at the second end surface 18 (not shown).

In an embodiment, desorption segment 32 may further comprise a heater 66to heat the desorption fluid 42 upstream from the sorption drum 14. Inan embodiment, the Rf generator 58 is in thermal contact with the supplyof the desorption fluid 42 such that the Rf generator and associatedcomponents are cooled at least in part by the desorption fluid supply,and the desorption fluid supply is at least partially preheated by theRf generator 58.

In an embodiment, the programmable controller 54 provides instructionsfor passage of the desorption fluid 42 through the sorption matrix 20without Rf irradiation to cool the sorption drum 14 following themicrowave irradiation 56 before the irradiated portion of the sorptiondrum is returned from the desorption segment 32 to the sorption chamber34.

In an embodiment, the programmable controller 54 may further provideinstructions to control an operating parameter relative to a set pointor limit, wherein the operating parameter is selected from one or moreof instructions to control an operating parameter relative to a detectedor measured set point or limit, wherein the operating parameter isselected from one or more of a sorption matrix heating rate, adesorption fluid heating rage, a water removal rate, a sorption matrixtemperature, a desorption fluid temperature, a process fluidtemperature, a safety condition, a process alarm condition, an equipmentalarm condition, a fluid flow rate, a process fluid flow rate, adesorption fluid flow rate, a process fluid humidity level, a desorptionfluid humidity level, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the desorption segment 32 islocated within the sorption chamber 34, while being in fluid isolationtherefrom. In an embodiment, the entire desorption segment 32 is locatedwith the sorption chamber 34.

In an embodiment, an HVAC system for a ventilated space comprises adehumidifier comprising the dehumidifier of any one or combination ofthe embodiments disclosed herein to supply air from the ventilated spaceto the sorption chamber as the process fluid and to return dehumidifiedair from the sorption chamber to the ventilated space or to anothersection of the HVAC system.

In an embodiment, a method comprises supplying process fluid to asorption chamber having a cylindrical section housing a coaxial sorptiondrum with first and second end faces at opposite ends thereof; passingthe process fluid axially through a regenerable sorption matrixcomprising sorbent disposed in the sorption drum between the first andsecond end faces to selectively sorb water from the process fluid;rotationally advancing the sorption drum about a longitudinal axis withrespect to a desorption segment in fluid isolation with the sorptionchamber; directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix at afrequency for selective excitation of the sorbate water from a waveguideantenna, which may comprise a slotted waveguide, positioned and arrangedin a desorption segment supply head fluidly connected against one of thefirst and second faces of the sorption drum; detecting microwaveradiation passing through the sorption matrix from the antenna throughthe waveguide at a receiver positioned in a desorption segment receiverhead fluidly connected against the other one of the first and second endfaces of the sorption drum; passing a desorption fluid axially throughthe desorption segment and a corresponding segment of the sorption drumto enrich the desorption fluid with the sorbate; and coordinating theadvancement of the rotation of the sorption drum with the irradiation ofthe sorption matrix in response to the radiation detected at thereceiver.

In an embodiment, the method comprises continuously advancing thesorption drum by the rotation of the sorption drum to introduce ansorbate-rich portion of the sorption drum into the desorption segment.In an embodiment, the speed of the advancement of the rotation, alsoreferred to as the angular velocity of the sorption drum, is controlledto maintain the detection of radiation at the receiver at a setpoint orwithin a range of setpoints.

In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling the rotation of thesorption drum and/or the level of irradiation of the sorption drum tomaintain the detection of radiation at the receiver at a setpoint. In anembodiment, the method may further include detecting and controlling thelevel of radiation emitted from the antenna to maintain the detection ofradiation at the receiver at a setpoint or within a range of setpoints.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise heating the desorptionfluid upstream from the sorption drum. In an embodiment, the method mayfurther comprise passing the desorption fluid through the sorptionmatrix in the absence of irradiation to cool the sorption drum followingthe irradiation before the irradiated portion of the sorption matrix isrotated from the desorption segment to the sorption chamber.

In an embodiment, the method may further include supplying the processfluid to the sorption chamber counter current to the flow of thedesorption fluid. In an embodiment, the method may include supplying theprocess fluid to enter the sorption drum at the first end surface, andpositioning the desorption segment supply head at the second endsurface.

In an embodiment, the method may include ventilating a space, comprisingsupplying air from the ventilated space to the sorption chamber as theprocess fluid according to any one of the above embodiments, andreturning dehumidified air from the absorption chamber directly to theventilated space, or to at least one other treatment or processing stepprior to air being returned to the ventilated space.

Accordingly, the instant disclosure provides the following embodiments:

-   A. A dehumidifier, comprising:    -   (a) a sorption chamber having a cylindrical section housing a        coaxial sorption drum with first and second end faces at        opposite ends thereof;    -   (b) a regenerable sorption matrix comprising sorbent disposed in        the sorption drum and comprising axial fluid permeability        between the first and second end faces to selectively sorb water        from a process fluid;    -   (c) a driver to rotationally advance the sorption drum about a        longitudinal axis with respect to a desorption segment;    -   (d) an axial process fluid flow path through the sorption        chamber passing through the sorption drum from the first end        face to the second end face in fluid isolation from the        desorption segment to remove the water from the process fluid;    -   (e) an axial desorption fluid flow path through the desorption        segment;    -   (f) a desorption segment supply head fluidly connected against        one of the first and second faces of the sorption drum and        housing at least one waveguide antenna operatively connected        with an Rf generator comprising at least one magnetron to direct        microwave radiation into the sorption matrix at a frequency for        selective excitation of the sorbate water;    -   (g) a desorption segment receiver head fluidly connected against        the other one of the first and second end faces of the sorption        drum and housing a receiver comprising an Rf detector to detect        microwave radiation passing through the sorption matrix from the        antenna; and    -   (h) a programmable controller comprising instructions to        coordinate the advancement of the rotation of the sorbent drum        with the microwave irradiation of the sorption matrix in        response to the microwave radiation detected at the receiver.-   B. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, wherein the sorption    matrix comprises a plurality of tortuous axial flow passages through    the sorption matrix, and no transverse fluid permeability or a    transverse fluid permeability less than 10% of the axial fluid    permeability.-   C. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A or B, wherein the    programmable controller instructions comprise holding the sorption    drum in a rotational position with respect to the desorption segment    while the sorption matrix is irradiated.-   D. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, or C, wherein the    programmable controller instructions further comprise a cycle    including the irradiation of the sorption matrix while holding the    sorption drum in the position and, when the receiver detects a set    level of radiation passing through the sorption matrix, advancing    the rotation of the sorption drum to introduce a sorbate water-rich    portion of the sorption drum into the desorption segment.-   E. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, or D, wherein    the programmable controller instructions comprise continuously    advancing the rotation of the sorption drum to introduce a sorbate    water-rich portion of the sorption drum into the desorption segment.-   F. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, or E,    wherein an angular velocity of the advancement of the rotation of    the sorption drum is controlled to maintain the detection of    microwave radiation at the receiver at a set point.-   G. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, or F,    wherein the programmable controller instructions provide for passage    of the desorption fluid through a portion of the sorption matrix to    cool the sorption drum following the microwave irradiation before    return of the portion of the sorption matrix to the sorption    chamber.-   H. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, or G,    the desorption segment supply head further comprising an energy    input sensor to measure a level of microwave radiation emitted from    the wave guide antenna.-   I. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, or    H, wherein a cross-sectional flow area through the sorption drum in    the desorption segment is less than 25% of the cross-sectional flow    area available for the process fluid through the sorption drum.-   J. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H,    or I, wherein the programmable controller further comprises    instructions to control an operating parameter relative to a set    point or limit, wherein the operating parameter is selected from one    or more of a sorption matrix heating rate, a desorption fluid    heating rage, a water removal rate, a sorption matrix temperature, a    desorption fluid temperature, a process fluid temperature, a safety    condition, a process alarm condition, an equipment alarm condition,    a fluid flow rate, a process fluid flow rate, a desorption fluid    rate, a process fluid humidity level, a desorption fluid humidity    level, or a combination thereof.-   K. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H,    I, or J, wherein at least a portion of the desorption segment is    located within the sorption chamber.-   L. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H,    I, J, or K, wherein the waveguide antenna comprises one or more    microwave lenses.-   M. A method, comprising:    -   a. supplying process fluid to a sorption chamber having a        cylindrical section housing a coaxial sorption drum with first        and second end faces at opposite ends thereof;    -   b. passing the process fluid axially through a regenerable        sorption matrix comprising sorbent disposed in the sorption drum        between the first and second end faces to selectively sorb water        from the process fluid;    -   c. rotationally advancing the sorption drum about a longitudinal        axis with respect to a desorption segment in fluid isolation        with the sorption chamber;    -   d. directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix at a        frequency for selective excitation of the sorbate water from a        waveguide antenna positioned in a desorption segment supply head        fluidly connected against one of the first and second faces of        the sorption drum;    -   e. detecting microwave radiation passing through the sorption        matrix from the antenna at a receiver positioned in a desorption        segment receiver head fluidly connected against the other one of        the first and second end faces of the sorption drum;    -   f. passing a desorption fluid axially through the desorption        segment and a corresponding segment of the sorption drum to        enrich the desorption fluid with the sorbate;    -   g. coordinating the advancement of the rotation of the sorption        drum with the irradiation of the sorption matrix in response to        the radiation detected at the receiver.-   N. The process according to Embodiment M, wherein the process fluid    flow is directed counter current to the desorption fluid flow.-   O. The process according to Embodiment M or N, wherein the directing    microwave radiation into the sorption matrix, the coordinating the    advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum, or a combination    thereof comprises a cycle including irradiation of the sorption    matrix while holding the sorption drum in a position and, when the    receiver detects a set level of radiation passing through the    sorption matrix, advancing the rotation of the sorption drum to    introduce a sorbate water-rich portion of the sorption drum into the    desorption segment.-   P. The process according to Embodiment M, N, or O, wherein the    directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix, the    coordinating the advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum,    or a combination thereof comprises continuously advancing the    rotation of the sorption drum to introduce a sorbate water-rich    portion of the sorption drum into the desorption segment.-   Q. The process according to Embodiment M, N, O, or P, wherein an    angular velocity of the advancement of the rotation of the sorption    drum is controlled to maintain the detection of microwave radiation    at the receiver at a set point.-   R. The process according to Embodiment M, N, O, P, or Q, wherein the    directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix, the    coordinating the advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum,    or a combination thereof includes passage of the desorption fluid    through the sorption matrix in the absence of microwave irradiation    to cool the segment of the sorption drum following the microwave    irradiation before return the segment of the sorption drum from the    desorption segment to the sorption chamber.-   S. The process according to Embodiment M, N, O, P, Q, or R, further    comprising determining a level of microwave radiation emitted from    the wave guide antenna from an energy input sensor and the directing    microwave radiation into the sorption matrix, the coordinating the    advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum, or a combination    thereof is relative to the level of microwave radiation emitted from    the antenna in combination with the radiation passing through the    sorption matrix.-   T. The process according to Embodiment M, N, O, P, Q, R, or S,    wherein the directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix,    the coordinating the advancement of the rotation of the sorption    drum, or a combination thereof further comprises controlling an    operating parameter relative to a set point or limit, wherein the    operating parameter is selected from one or more of a sorption    matrix heating rate, a desorption fluid heating rage, a water    removal rate, a sorption matrix temperature, a desorption fluid    temperature, a process fluid temperature, a safety condition, a    process alarm condition, an equipment alarm condition, a fluid flow    rate, a process fluid flow rate, a desorption fluid rate, a process    fluid humidity level, a desorption fluid humidity level, or a    combination thereof.-   U. The process according to Embodiment M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, or T,    further comprising preheating the desorption fluid to a temperature    below the vaporization level of the sorbate water prior to directing    microwave radiation into the sorption matrix, wherein the    temperature of the desorption fluid is increased by heat exchange    with a source of the microwave radiation, by heat exchange with an    external heater, or a combination thereof.-   V. The dehumidifier according to Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H,    I, J, K or L, or the process according to Embodiment M, N, O, P, Q,    R, S, T or U, wherein the waveguide antenna comprises a slotted    waveguide antenna.

The preceding description has been presented with reference to presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art andtechnology to which this invention pertains will appreciate thatalterations and changes in the described compositions and methods can bepracticed without meaningfully departing from the principle, and scopeof this invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description should not beread as pertaining only to the exact embodiments described and shown inthe accompanying drawings, but rather should be read as consistent withand as support for the following claims, which are to have their fullestand fairest scope.

The foregoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatorythereof and it can be readily appreciated by those skilled in the artthat various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in thedetails of the illustrated construction or combinations of the elementsdescribed herein can be made without departing from the spirit of thedisclosure.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly some embodiments have been shown and described and that all changesand modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions aredesired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use ofwords such as preferable, preferably, preferred, more preferred orexemplary utilized in the description above indicate that the feature sodescribed may be more desirable or characteristic, nonetheless may notbe necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated aswithin the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claimsthat follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words suchas “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used thereis no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specificallystated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least aportion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portionand/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the example embodiments without materiallydeparting from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as definedin the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses areintended to cover the structures described herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents, but alsoequivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not bestructural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface tosecure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface,in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may beequivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant notto invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of theclaims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses thewords ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dehumidifier comprising: a rotatable sorptiondrum having variable portion in communication with one or more microwavesources dimensioned and arranged to direct microwave radiation into theportion of the sorption drum for selective excitation of a sorbate fromthe portion of the sorption drum.
 2. The dehumidifier of claim 1,wherein the microwave source comprises a slotted antenna.
 3. Thedehumidifier of claim 1, further comprises a programmable controllercomprising instructions to coordinate the rotation of the sorbent drumwith the microwave radiation in response to microwave radiation detectedby a receiver.
 4. A dehumidifier, comprising: (a) a sorption chamberhaving a cylindrical section housing a coaxial sorption drum with firstand second end faces at opposite ends thereof; (b) a regenerablesorption matrix comprising sorbent disposed in the sorption drum andcomprising axial fluid permeability between the first and second endfaces to selectively sorb water from a process fluid; (c) a driver torotationally advance the sorption drum about a longitudinal axis withrespect to a desorption segment; (d) an axial process fluid flow paththrough the sorption chamber passing through the sorption drum from thefirst end face to the second end face in fluid isolation from thedesorption segment to remove the water from the process fluid; (e) anaxial desorption fluid flow path through the desorption segment; (f) adesorption segment supply head fluidly connected against one of thefirst and second faces of the sorption drum and housing at least onewaveguide antenna operatively connected with an Rf generator comprisingat least one magnetron to direct microwave radiation into the sorptionmatrix at a frequency for selective excitation of the sorbate water; (g)a desorption segment receiver head fluidly connected against the otherone of the first and second end faces of the sorption drum and housing areceiver comprising an Rf detector to detect microwave radiation passingthrough the sorption matrix from the antenna; and (h) a programmablecontroller comprising instructions to coordinate the advancement of therotation of the sorbent drum with the microwave irradiation of thesorption matrix in response to the microwave radiation detected at thereceiver.
 5. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein the sorption matrixcomprises a plurality of tortuous axial flow passages through thesorption matrix, and no transverse fluid permeability or a transversefluid permeability less than 10% of the axial fluid permeability.
 6. Thedehumidifier of claim 4, wherein the programmable controllerinstructions comprise holding the sorption drum in a rotational positionwith respect to the desorption segment while the sorption matrix isirradiated.
 7. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein the programmablecontroller instructions further comprise a cycle including theirradiation of the sorption matrix while holding the sorption drum inthe position and, when the receiver detects a set level of radiationpassing through the sorption matrix, advancing the rotation of thesorption drum to introduce a sorbate water-rich portion of the sorptiondrum into the desorption segment.
 8. The dehumidifier of claim 4,wherein the programmable controller instructions comprise continuouslyadvancing the rotation of the sorption drum to introduce a sorbatewater-rich portion of the sorption drum into the desorption segment. 9.The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein an angular velocity of theadvancement of the rotation of the sorption drum is controlled tomaintain the detection of microwave radiation at the receiver at a setpoint.
 10. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein the programmablecontroller instructions provide for passage of the desorption fluidthrough a portion of the sorption matrix to cool the sorption drumfollowing the microwave irradiation before return of the portion of thesorption matrix to the sorption chamber.
 11. The dehumidifier of claim4, the desorption segment supply head further comprising an energy inputsensor to measure a level of microwave radiation emitted from the waveguide antenna.
 12. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein across-sectional flow area through the sorption drum in the desorptionsegment is less than 25% of the cross-sectional flow area available forthe process fluid through the sorption drum.
 13. The dehumidifier ofclaim 4, wherein the programmable controller further comprisesinstructions to control an operating parameter relative to a set pointor limit, wherein the operating parameter is selected from one or moreof a sorption matrix heating rate, a desorption fluid heating rage, awater removal rate, a sorption matrix temperature, a desorption fluidtemperature, a process fluid temperature, a safety condition, a processalarm condition, an equipment alarm condition, a fluid flow rate, aprocess fluid flow rate, a desorption fluid rate, a process fluidhumidity level, a desorption fluid humidity level, or a combinationthereof.
 14. The dehumidifier of claim 4, wherein at least a portion ofthe desorption segment is located within the sorption chamber.
 15. Thedehumidifier of claim 4, wherein the waveguide antenna comprises one ormore slotted waveguides.
 16. A method, comprising: a) supplying processfluid to a sorption chamber having a cylindrical section housing acoaxial sorption drum with first and second end faces at opposite endsthereof; b) passing the process fluid axially through a regenerablesorption matrix comprising sorbent disposed in the sorption drum betweenthe first and second end faces to selectively sorb water from theprocess fluid; c) rotationally advancing the sorption drum about alongitudinal axis with respect to a desorption segment in fluidisolation with the sorption chamber; d) directing microwave radiationinto the sorption matrix at a frequency for selective excitation of thesorbate water from a waveguide antenna positioned in a desorptionsegment supply head fluidly connected against one of the first andsecond faces of the sorption drum; e) detecting microwave radiationpassing through the sorption matrix from the antenna at a receiverpositioned in a desorption segment receiver head fluidly connectedagainst the other one of the first and second end faces of the sorptiondrum; f) passing a desorption fluid axially through the desorptionsegment and a corresponding segment of the sorption drum to enrich thedesorption fluid with the sorbate; and g) coordinating the advancementof the rotation of the sorption drum with the irradiation of thesorption matrix in response to the radiation detected at the receiver.17. The process of claim 16, wherein the process fluid flow is directedcounter current to the desorption fluid flow.
 18. The process of claim16, wherein the directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix,the coordinating the advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum,or a combination thereof comprises a cycle including irradiation of thesorption matrix while holding the sorption drum in a position and, whenthe receiver detects a set level of radiation passing through thesorption matrix, advancing the rotation of the sorption drum tointroduce a sorbate water-rich portion of the sorption drum into thedesorption segment.
 19. The process of claim 16, wherein the directingmicrowave radiation into the sorption matrix, the coordinating theadvancement of the rotation of the sorption drum, or a combinationthereof comprises continuously advancing the rotation of the sorptiondrum to introduce a sorbate water-rich portion of the sorption drum intothe desorption segment.
 20. The process of claim 16, wherein an angularvelocity of the advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum iscontrolled to maintain the detection of microwave radiation at thereceiver at a set point.
 21. The process of claim 16, wherein thedirecting microwave radiation into the sorption matrix, the coordinatingthe advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum, or a combinationthereof includes passage of the desorption fluid through the sorptionmatrix in the absence of microwave irradiation to cool the segment ofthe sorption drum following the microwave irradiation before return thesegment of the sorption drum from the desorption segment to the sorptionchamber.
 22. The process of claim 16, further comprising determining alevel of microwave radiation emitted from the wave guide antenna from anenergy input sensor and the directing microwave radiation into thesorption matrix, the coordinating the advancement of the rotation of thesorption drum, or a combination thereof is relative to the level ofmicrowave radiation emitted from the antenna in combination with theradiation passing through the sorption matrix.
 23. The process of claim16, wherein the directing microwave radiation into the sorption matrix,the coordinating the advancement of the rotation of the sorption drum,or a combination thereof further comprises controlling an operatingparameter relative to a set point or limit, wherein the operatingparameter is selected from one or more of a sorption matrix heatingrate, a desorption fluid heating rage, a water removal rate, a sorptionmatrix temperature, a desorption fluid temperature, a process fluidtemperature, a safety condition, a process alarm condition, an equipmentalarm condition, a fluid flow rate, a process fluid flow rate, adesorption fluid rate, a process fluid humidity level, a desorptionfluid humidity level, or a combination thereof
 24. The process of claim16, further comprising preheating the desorption fluid to a temperaturebelow the vaporization level of the sorbate water prior to directingmicrowave radiation into the sorption matrix, wherein the temperature ofthe desorption fluid is increased by heat exchange with a source of themicrowave radiation, by heat exchange with an external heater, or acombination thereof.